News from Upper Makefield

April 2024

Supervisors Move to Protect Washington Crossing Bridge

In a resolution adopted by the Upper Makefield Board of Supervisors on March 19, 2024, the Supervisors urged the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to include them in deliberations on the future of the Washington Crossing Bridge.

The Toll Bridge Commission issued A Request for Proposals (RFP) in January, titled: “Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation for the Washington Crossing Bridge Replacement.” Because they were not told of or included in the studies or decisions leading up to the RFP, the Upper Makefield Supervisors want assurances that they will be included in the future.

Impact on Township

Possible replacement, the Supervisors state, sets up numerous public safety concerns, financial impacts and quality of life issues that Upper Makefield Township would shoulder. Their resolution “insists” that the Township be included in all future discussions.

Steps Toward Listing on the National Register of Historic Places

At the same meeting, the Supervisors authorized work by consultant Jeff Marshall, principal of Open Spaces & Historic Places LLC, to update information on the Bridge’s eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge was determined eligible for listing in 1985.

A Quasi-public Service-oriented Agency

The Toll Bridge Commission owns, operates and maintains 20 bridges connecting New Jersey and Pennsylvania across the Delaware River. According to its website, “The Commission is a quasi-public service-oriented agency, operating as a self-funded entity without any tax revenues from either of its two jurisdictional states or the federal government.”

Your Voice Can Help

Because of its quasi-public status, toll-paying drivers are the Commission’s constituents/customers. For this reason, the Township encourages residents to review the Commission’s work and express their concerns directly to the Commission. The Supervisors also pledged to keep working on behalf of Upper Makefield citizens.

The Commission plans to review responses to its RFP in June. To voice your own concerns with the Joint Toll Bridge Commission, please review the documents mentioned in this article. To reach the Toll Bridge Commission directly, visit its website for meeting dates and contacts. The website has an online contact form. Contact information for Upper Makefield Supervisors is on our website.

References

RFP Issued by the Joint Bridge Commission

Press Release from the Commission

Upper Makefield’s Response (Resolution) to the Press Release

Upper Makefield Board of Supervisors

Fire Department Carnival

April 23-27

Enjoy rides and games while supporting the all-volunteer Upper Makefield Fire Company at its annual Carnival. The carnival is open each evening from 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 to Saturday, April 27.

Buy your tickets before April 22 to take advantage of Midway Specials. Help support your volunteer fire company by attending one of its largest fundraising activities.

Note: This year the Carnival will be located at the Valley of Concentration, still within the Washington Crossing Historic Park. Buy tickets here.

Emergency Services for UMT Residents

Stormwater Management

Protecting Our Waterways Requires Your Help

Changing seasons often mean increased stormwater runoff that can carry chemicals and bacteria into our waterways. Unlike sanitary sewer systems, stormwater drains carry untreated water from lawns and roadways directly into the tributaries and groundwater that feed into the Delaware River.

Successful stormwater management starts on private land: You can reduce public water contamination by how you manage cleanup at home. Please review the following information to learn how you can help.

Adopt these practices to enjoy cleaner waterways.

Check with your private hauler to learn how to bag and contain what they do pick up, and check with Bucks County for disposal of what private haulers do not accept: chemicals, electronics and other household hazardous waste.

Bag any yard debris for curbside pickup, do not dump it in your yard. Mulch grass clipping and leaves into your yard.

Clear debris from nearby storm drains. Please help by clearing it out and bagging or composting what you’ve cleaned out.

Limit use of lawn fertilizers and pesticides.

Pick up after your pets to reduce the pollution carried by rainwater runoff from your property and into streams.

Wash your car at a car wash, where water is filtered and recycled.

Plant native trees and plants. Add more plants and trees to your property to soak up stormwater and reduce runoff. Consult Pennsylvania resources for landscaping with native plants. Defray purchase and planting costs with a Tree Grant from Upper Makefield Township.

Resources:

Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater Management

Landscaping with Native Plants

UMTree Grant (Rebate) Application

Stormwater Information

Senior Scam Awareness and Prevention Seminar

Thursday April 25

Scammers make money from Pennsylvanians daily as they roll out a dizzying list of tricks, often preying on our emotions. In the world of robocalls, text messages, email and social media accounts, scams are everywhere. When you know what to look for, you are less vulnerable.

Please attend this important seminar offered by Upper Makefield Police officers and the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General. The presentation will break down what current scams are hurting older citizens and how to avoid them.

The seminar begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 at Washington Crossing United Methodist Church, 1895 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977.

Upper Makefield Police Department

Good To Know

2024 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events

Bucks County sponsors five collection events per year, with the next two listed below.

Saturday, May 18 at Upper Bucks Vocational Technical School, 3115 Ridge Road, Perkasie.

Saturday, June 29 at Central Bucks South High School, 1100 Folly Road, Warrington.

This online poster details what can and cannot be accepted.

Pet Registration

Here’s a reminder to register your pet both in Upper Makefield and if your pet is a dog, also with the Bucks County Treasurer’s Office.

Help our police officers help you by registering your pet, including a photo, with the form found on the Township website. There is no fee. The form requests any details that might help them bring your wayward pet home: Microchip, vets name, and, of course, your address and contact information. Each of your pets needs a separate form.

An annual dog license, renewable by January 1 each year, is required by Pennsylvania law and can be obtained online from the Bucks County Treasurer’s Office. The fee is under $10.

Party Tent Permits Required

If your next outdoor party or event includes a tent, you must receive a permit in advance from the Township. If you require parking in public spaces or roadways, you’ll need to coordinate with the UMT Police Department. Please review the guidelines and submit your application at least two full weeks in advance of your event.

New HD Channel Verizon 2121

Free HD set top available.

If you are not able to view our new Channel 2121 because you do not have an HD set top, contact Verizon to request a free upgrade by signing into your My Verizon account   or calling 1-800-Verizon (1-800-837-4966). Don’t delay making your request because the old channel will be phased out within the next 30 days.

UMT Website

Calendar

April 23, 2024– Primary Election Day

Where to vote and how to follow election results.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

April 25, 2024— Senior Scam Awareness and Prevention Seminar

Presented by the Upper Makefield Police Department and the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General Washington Crossing United Methodist Church

1895 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing. Flyer.

7 p.m.

April 23-27 Upper Makefield Fire Company Carnival

The Carnival, held at Washington Crossing Historic Park, has been moved within the park to the Valley of Concentration. Details.

Each evening Tuesday to Saturday, 6-10 p.m.

April 27, 2024— National Take Back Day

The Upper Makefield Police will be accepting unused medications for safe disposal as part of the National Take Back Day event. The Police Department is at 1076 Eagle Road, Newtown. In addition, a medication collection box in the Police Department lobby is available during weekday office hours. What's accepted and not accepted.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 18 —Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

Upper Bucks Area Vocational Technical School, 3115 Ridge Road, Perkasie.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain or shine. Poster with details.

June 29 - Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

Central Bucks South High School, 1100 Folly Road, Warrington.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain or shine. Poster with details.